Branded calling helps businesses create a more trustworthy outbound calling experience by combining caller authentication, caller-name identification, and phone number reputation management. In SourCherry, SHAKEN/STIR, CNAM, and Voice Integrity each support a different part of this process. Completing the appropriate registrations can help carriers and recipients recognize legitimate business calls, although the exact caller ID display and spam-label status may vary by carrier, device, and analytics provider.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- What is Branded Calling?
- How SHAKEN/STIR, CNAM, and Voice Integrity Work Together
- SHAKEN/STIR Caller Authentication
- CNAM Caller-Name Identification
- Voice Integrity and Phone Number Reputation
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Related Articles
What is Branded Calling?
Branded calling refers to the combination of trust signals that help carriers and recipients understand who is calling and whether the call is legitimate. Rather than relying on a phone number alone, businesses can use authentication, caller-name registration, and reputation services to create a more recognizable outbound calling identity.
Registration can improve trust signals, but it does not guarantee higher answer rates or prevent future spam labels. Calling behavior, recipient feedback, call volume, and carrier policies continue to affect phone number reputation.
Note: Branded calling does not guarantee that every recipient will see your business name, a trusted-call indicator, or a call without a spam label. Caller ID presentation depends on the recipient’s carrier, device, service plan, contact settings, and caller ID analytics provider.
How SHAKEN/STIR, CNAM, and Voice Integrity Work Together
Each branded-calling registration solves a different problem. Understanding these differences helps you choose the correct registration and complete the process in the recommended order.
| Trust Layer | Registration | What It Does | Status | Key Limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Authentication | SHAKEN/STIR | Authenticates caller ID information and helps verify that the caller is authorized to use the number | Required before Voice Integrity | Does not remove nuisance or spam labels |
| Identification | CNAM | Associates a U.S. phone number with a registered business or personal name | Optional for Voice Integrity but highly recommended | Name display is not guaranteed |
| Reputation | Voice Integrity | Registers eligible U.S. numbers with First Orion, Hiya, and TNS for reputation review | Recommended for eligible U.S. numbers | Reviews and label changes may take time |
SHAKEN/STIR Caller Authentication
SHAKEN/STIR provides the authentication foundation for branded calling. It uses digital certificates to help carriers confirm that caller ID information is legitimate and that the caller is authorized to use the phone number.
Note: Businesses without an EIN will not qualify for the documented SHAKEN/STIR and CNAM registration processes. These businesses can review the Free Caller Registry as an alternative way to submit eligible U.S. numbers for reputation consideration.
Learn more: Remediate “Spam Likely” on Your Caller ID Using Free Caller RegistrySHAKEN/STIR can:
- Authenticate caller ID information.
- Help prevent caller ID spoofing and fraud.
- Improve carrier trust in legitimate outbound calls.
- Make calls more likely to receive a trusted or verified indication, depending on the receiving carrier.
- Support Voice Integrity eligibility.
SHAKEN/STIR does not remove nuisance or spam labels. A phone number can be authenticated and still be labeled based on call patterns, complaints, analytics-provider data, or previous activity.
Note: Eligible phone numbers associated with qualifying A2P registrations may be enrolled automatically, while other users can register through the Trust Center.
Learn more: What is SHAKEN/STIR?
CNAM Caller-Name Identification
CNAM helps recipients recognize your calls by associating your U.S. phone number with a registered business or personal name. The receiving carrier may retrieve that name and display it when you place an outbound call.
CNAM can:
- Associate your number with a recognizable name.
- Improve caller recognition.
- Help contacts identify the business placing the call.
- Add an identification layer alongside SHAKEN/STIR authentication.
An EIN is required for CNAM registration through the SourCherry Trust Center.
Learn more: What is CNAM?
Voice Integrity and Phone Number Reputation
Voice Integrity helps eligible businesses submit their U.S. phone numbers to leading caller ID analytics providers. These providers evaluate calling reputation and supply information that carriers and caller ID applications may use when deciding whether a call should be labeled.
Note: SHAKEN/STIR registration must be completed before you can submit a Voice Integrity application. CNAM is optional, but adding an accurate caller name is recommended.SourCherry submits Voice Integrity registrations to:
- First Orion
- Hiya
- TNS
Voice Integrity can help:
- Address incorrect “Spam Likely” labels.
- Repair the reputation of previously flagged numbers.
- Provide analytics providers with accurate business and calling-use information.
- Improve the likelihood that legitimate calls reach recipients without an incorrect warning.
Each analytics provider reviews registrations separately. Applications are typically processed within two business days, but spam-label changes may take longer to appear across all networks and platforms.
Learn more: Improve Your Phone Number’s Reputation with Voice Integrity
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do I need all three registrations to make branded calls?
SHAKEN/STIR is required before Voice Integrity can be submitted. CNAM is optional for Voice Integrity but highly recommended. Using all three creates a more complete combination of authentication, identification, and reputation signals.
Q: Will branded calling guarantee that my business name appears?
No. CNAM associates a name with your number, but the receiving carrier and device determine whether that name is displayed.
Q: Is EIN necessary for SHAKEN/STIR and CNAM registrations?
Yes, EIN is mandatory.
Q: Does SHAKEN/STIR remove “Spam Likely” labels?
No. SHAKEN/STIR authenticates caller ID information, but it does not directly remove nuisance or spam labels.
Q: Can I register for Voice Integrity before SHAKEN/STIR is approved?
No. SHAKEN/STIR must be configured before you can complete the Voice Integrity registration.
Q: Is CNAM required for Voice Integrity?
No. CNAM is optional, but it is recommended because an accurate caller name can add another trust signal to your registration.
Q: Can I use Voice Integrity for international phone numbers?
No. Voice Integrity currently supports U.S. phone numbers only.
Q: How quickly will a spam label disappear after Voice Integrity approval?
Voice Integrity applications are typically processed within two business days, but label changes can take longer to propagate across carriers, devices, and caller ID platforms.
Q: What can I do if my business does not have an EIN?
Review the Free Caller Registry as an alternative reputation-remediation option for eligible U.S. numbers. It does not replace SHAKEN/STIR or CNAM.
Q: Can my number be labeled as spam again after registration?
Yes. Carriers and analytics providers continue to evaluate call volume, recipient complaints, engagement, calling patterns, and other reputation signals.
Q: Is verified caller ID the same as SHAKEN/STIR?
No. Selecting or verifying an outbound caller ID determines which approved number is displayed. SHAKEN/STIR separately authenticates your authorization to use that calling number.